Page 233 of Power Play

“Promise?”

“Yeah, mi hada.”

I released a shaky breath. “Okay.”

“Go tell them.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know.”

“What if it’s worse than I think?”

“Then you leave.”

“What if they’re hurt?”

“They’re adults.”

“What if they tell me I’m ruining everything?”

“Then they’re lying.”

I closed my eyes and let his certainty hold me upright.

“You make it sound like you’re here.”

“I am.” His voice softened enough to undo me. “Now go.”

“Play well.”

“I always do.”

“Arrogant.”

“Call me later.”

“I will.”

The call ended, and I stared at the screen while my hands started shaking again. Whatever control I had found by measuring myself disappeared beneath the argument.

I opened my dresser drawer and reached for the measuring tape again.

The number hadn’t changed in the last ten minutes. I knew it couldn’t have, but logic had nothing to do with the need to check. I wrapped the tape around my waist and pulled until it hurt, holding it there while I watched the woman in the mirror become calmer than I felt.

I could control dinner. I could drink water, move the food around my plate, and refuse dessert. I could get through the evening without giving my mother a reason to look at my body twice.

The rules settled into place, and my breathing eased with them.

I rolled the tape and hid it inside my purse before picking up my phone and opening the camera. The picture looked expensive: navy dress, soft curls, and the diamond earrings my mother had given me. It showed a woman completely in control of herself.

I sent it to Ryan and added the two lines he had taught me.

Charm: Te extraño. Vuelve a mí.

I miss you. Come back to me.

The message delivered. I slipped the phone into my purse and went downstairs.